Qavavau Ashoona

Qavavau Ashoona was born on February 19th, 1967 in Cape Dorset, Nunavut Territory, Canada where he still resides. He is the son of the late Koomwartok Ashoona a renowned Cape Dorset sculptor, therefore Qavavau comes from a very artistic background.

His late grandmother was the famous Pitseolak Ashoona, and his uncles are/were Kiawa Ashoona, the late Kaka Ashoona, and Namoonai Ashoona. Ohitok Ashoona is his brother. His grandmother and uncles were all master Inuit artists and have contributed greatly to the establishment and exposure of Inuit Art to Canada and the world.

At an early age, Qavavau was exposed also to this family wealth of cultural and knowledge from which he could draw from for his own artistic expression.

His works are mainly Bears - walking, standing, dancing. They are all well executed and have a very fine sensitive form. His work has potential and at present he is at a stage of developing more freedom in his style.

Compiled by Helen Webster